Springer 66/1 for PDC World Championship after stunning Budapest success
German sensation Niko Springer has been cut into 66/1 for the 2026 PDC World Championship after picking up the 2025 Hungarian Darts Trophy – his maiden professional title – in truly remarkable fashion on Sunday evening.
Springer edged out Dutchman Danny Noppert 8-7 in a nail-biting final having previously accounted for two of the world's best players, Luke Humphries and Josh Rock, earlier in the evening.
The achievement was all the more remarkable given the youngster had already downed the trio of Gian van Veen, Damon Heta and Rob Cross just to make the final session in Budapest – meaning all six of his opponents were ranked inside the top 20.
Springer, who was as big as 300/1 for Ally Pally glory when winning his Tour Card back in January, has now caught the attention of bookmakers with Bet365 seeing fit to chop him into 50/1 for December's World Championship.
Most, however, have settled at 66/1 with Betfair, Sky Bet, Paddy Power, Betfred and Sporting Index all remaining unconvinced Springer can repeat his heroics on the grandest stage of all.
The 25-year-old, nicknamed the Meenzer Bub, has long been talked about in darting circles as Germany's most exciting ever prospect and finally picked up a Tour Card last year after completing his educational studies.
Though he only joined the professional ranks this year, the Mainz-born ace did compete at last year's PDC World Championship and played his part in a thrilling round one clash with Scott Williams, where the pair plundered in 16 180s between them.
Springer has not had all that much big-stage experience since then, though Sunday's surprise win has hugely bolstered his prospects of appearing in next month's World Grand Prix – flying up to 12th in the Pro Tour rankings thanks to his £30,000 winners cheque.
The top 16 on that Order of Merit qualify for Leicester, meaning only a freak set of circumstances would deny the German a debut in Leicester.
Though Springer has forged a reputation for his wonderful scoring, it was his doubling that got the job done in Budapest. He pinned over 48% of his attempts on the outer ring across his six matches, which is one of the best tournament-winning showings on record.
If he can replicate that form in any of the majors in the coming months, there's every chance the German will spring an even bigger surprise.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt's p/l
7 Days
30 Days
Year 2025
R1 - Gian van Veen ✅ R2 - Damon Heta ✅ R3 - Rob Cross ✅ QF - Luke Humphries ✅ SF - Josh Rock ✅ F - Danny Noppert 🏆 A remarkable weekend for Niko Springer sees him claim his first European Tour title! 🇩🇪👏
